I didn't actually 'know' Cpt Lesnikowski personally (though we fleetingly crossed paths once or twice). I worked Traffic Control ('68-'69), not Pax Svc. But I can tell you that she certainly was very well respected by our TC officers & enlisted alike. When she contacted TC on behalf of Pax Svc, we listened! And it wasn't only because of her rank, but more a recognition of a person who not only knew what she was doing (& did it well), but did it in a personable, smart, & respectful way. I never heard a negative word about her from anyone in my entire tenure at OKO, or since,...but many good words! A fine AF Officer & person, without a doubt!

Captain Ski was one of the nicest, most caring, and most hard working supervisors I've ever had either while in the service or beyond. She trusted her sargeants to get the job done and she rewarded our good works with genuine expressions of appreciation. When we were hit by more planes on the ground than usual, she'd throw luggage with the rest of us, and she could do it well. Captain Ski definitely helped make my time at Yokota one of the richest and best times of my life.

In 2014, I learned that Captain Ski had passed on while in a V.A. hospital near her home in California from exposure to agent orange which occurred during her time in Vietnam post Yokota. This was heartbreaking news as Ski was such a kind and wonderful person to me and all who worked for her over the years. God bless her soul. Until we meet again Ski, thank you for your kindnesses. Much love always.

Ron, I wasn't aware of the details about Cpt Lesnikowski's passing that you mentioned. As military people, our business was, frankly, war. But war really s**ks, so now that we're civilian citizens we should fight for Peace. Cpt Lesnikowski's death is an example of just how war diminishes our world by taking our very finest people from us, and that's true for both sides. Now more than ever (thanks to you, Ron, for personalizing it) we can better understand how Cpt Lesnikowski's life will always be, along with many others who were fallen due to war, a shining light guiding us to the pursuit of Peace for the sake of future generations. May she rest in Peace.